Each time we have a new calf I dread doing this task. There are at least three different ways to dehorn, and we've tried each method. We've burned them off with an electric de-horning tool that heats up cherry red and you burn the horn bud, killing the horns. We've also taken a heifer to a veterinarian and in a surgery had the horns cut out and then have the incision sewed up.
All methods seem painful, but the method that seems easiest on the animal, and the owners, is using Dr. Naylor Dehorning paste.
Image Credit |
Shaving the hair away from Clarabelle's little horns |
Applying a ring of petroleum jelly |
Then holding Clarabelle firmly, I apply a quarter-sized amount of dehorning paste on top of the little horn buds. Since it is caustic, you don't want to get it on your hands. I apply it using a wooden popsicle stick.
Applying the dehorning paste |
Once it is applied, it is important to keep the animal away from other animals and inside out of the rain. I use duct tape to wrap a protective cap over the area of application. This protects the area so that the dehorning paste can't be rubbed off by the calf.
Duct tape cap |
We always sit with the animal for about 30 minutes. There is a brief period of discomfort and the animal will react, letting you know that they aren't happy, but after a short period the burning sensation subsides. We leave her in the stall overnight to rest.
In the recovery room |
The very next morning we remove the duct tape protective covering and using a wet rag, we wipe off any remaining dehorning paste. You can tell where the paste has burned the horn bud, killing it.
Horn buds killed |
Clarabelle was in good spirits and as soon as we had her head cleaned up, she began nursing on Rosie. No cutting, no bleeding. Although it is not a pleasant task to perform, we're thankful that in a very short time, the discomfort is over and the job is done.
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